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by Luther Dorr
Mille Lacs County commissioners granted a permit last week to operate a kennel/dog rescue shelter in Bogus Brook Township but put a limit on the number of dogs.
Kathy Johnson, who operates K.A.R.E. (Kathy’s Animal Rescue Express) on 110th Street, was on the hot seat as commissioners asked why she had 25 dogs instead of the five allowed.
Johnson explained that she gets dogs dropped off by deputies, police officers and a veterinarian in Princeton
“Do you realize you’re in violation,” asked Commissioner Dave Tellinghuisen.
Johnson answered that she is registered with the state as a charitable organization. “But that doesn’t make you any less in violation,” answered Tellinghuisen.
Lynn Gregory, who assists rescue organizations around the state, praised Johnson during a public hearing at the Sept. 1 County Board meeting, saying she’s providing a valuable service to the community. She said Johnson does a good job of taking care of the dogs.
Jim Kragt, a member of the Bogus Brook town board who lives nearby, urged commissioners to vote no on the request, saying he has had dogs from the kennel on his deck.
Neighbor Tracy Larson, while saying that she has no problem with the concept of a dog rescue operation, said she didn’t think the dogs were secured well enough.
Neighbor Mike Kok said he has dogs on his deck and was critical of dogs from the kennel barking. “The noise is a royal pain,” he said.
Scott Lussier, a co-applicant with Johnson for the kennel license, disagreed, saying dogs have been secured for quite awhile.
“And I hear cattle all day long,” he said, referring to the complaint about dogs barking.
Lussier told commissioners that the sheriff’s office makes use of their facility, as well as the impound vet in Princeton.
Gregory said she has made unannounced visits to the site and that the dogs were well contained.
“Would you prefer them running free?” she asked.
After the public hearing was closed Land Services Director Michele McPherson told commissioners they had the authority to grant a license for only five large dogs.
Anything beyond that number, she said, would require an amendment to the county ordinance that only the Mille Lacs County Board of Adjustment could approve.
In April the Board of Adjustment, after a variance request, approved variances for lot width and setback but turned down a request to have 25 dogs instead of five on the five-acre parcel.
Commissioner Roger Tellinghuisen asked what alternative there would be if the kennel license was not approved.
McPherson answered that it would be a criminal offense and the county would seek prosecution.
Commissioner Dave Tellinghuisen reminded board members that the Board of Adjustment had approved five dogs for the operation four months ago and now there are 25.
“That’s ridiculous,” he said. “I’m opposed to it.”
Roger Tellinghuisen asked what would happen to the 25 dogs if the request was denied.
McPherson said the criminal process would begin and a court order would be sought to remove the dogs.
Roger Tellinghuisen said the sheriff’s office should be notified not to use that facility and that there is an alternative not being utilized.
Board Chairman Frank Courteau asked Johnson why she took the dogs in when she was not empowered to do so. “I love them,” was Johnson’s response.
A motion was passed to approve a license and limit the kennel to five large dogs (51 to 75 pounds), including personal dogs of the applicants. There will be unannounced visits by the county’s animal control officer and revocation of the license will occur if there are three confirmed loose-dog complaints within 30 days.
The motion was amended to include language that requires all dogs beyond the five allowed to be removed by the end of the business day on Friday, Sept. 11.
On Monday of this week Johnson said she plans to seek an amendment with the Board of Adjustment.
When asked if the additional dogs will be off her property by Sept. 11, she answered, “There’s no way. The county has to do something, seriously. We don’t have anybody to take them in.”
Johnson, while not being specific, said the governor is with her on this matter and that she would “go higher than that if necessary.”
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